News
Giant Fishing Lures to Attract Artists and Businesses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Ashley Henderson: 334-300-3392 or ahendersonCWP@charter.net
Life size fiberglass cow sculptures started the craze in Chicago, Illinois in 1999 but Montgomery and Prattville will join communities across the United States and Europe when 6-foot long fishing lures are cast through the River Region this fall. The Alabama River Clean Water Partnership is sponsoring “The Hooked on the Alabama River” project to lure businesses, the community, and the arts together for the benefit of the Alabama River.
The project will promote the most spectacular natural resource in our region: The Alabama River. To do this, 30 fiberglass fishing lures will be decorated by local artists and sponsored by area organizations. Each lure will be unique and will attract people to the importance of the Alabama River for our region and to the business that sponsors it. Tackle boxes (or groupings) of 2-3 lures will be displayed throughout Montgomery and Prattville after the initial unveiling, which will take place on September 22 in downtown Montgomery along the banks of the Alabama River.
The Alabama Power Company Foundation has provided outstanding support for the project by funding the purchase of the fiberglass bases and artists supplies. John Grogan, Manager of Environmental Compliance for the Alabama Power Company, said “The Alabama River is a treasure to the state of Alabama; Alabama Power is honored to partner with The Clean Water Partnership on this exciting community project.”
Now the project needs support from artists and businesses in the region. Artists can participate by proposing their visions for a sculpture by the April 18th deadline. Lure templates (that show the outline of the fiberglass sculpture) can be obtained by contacting Ms. Ashley Henderson at AHendersonCWP@charter.net or 334-300-3392. Submissions must be completed by April 18 but artists could win one of two $1,000 grand prizes for their assistance with the project.
Christian Cutler, a local artist, who has already made two submissions to the project said, “Like the Cow Parade seen in cities like Houston, New York and Chicago, the Lures project is a great way to showcase the talents of dozens of Alabama artists in a public setting while creatively celebrating and helping to preserve the Alabama River.”
Businesses will then be able to select an artist to work with from the portfolio and will be able to sponsor either a “Keeper” lure or a “Catch & Release” lure. Keeper lures will be given to the sponsor at the end or the project while “Catch & Release” lures will be either auctioned or used to attract attention to one of Alabama’s other mighty rivers.
Several businesses have already caught the vision including International Paper, The Alabama Forestry Association, and CH2M Hill. Jeannine Siembida, mill manager at International Paper’s Prattville Mill, said, “Maintaining the quality of the Alabama River is important to us all. International Paper is committed to being an environmental steward and we are happy to support the Alabama Clean Water Partnership’s efforts to educate the community.”
Both cities are pleased with the prospect of the tackle box displays. The project will attract both local citizens and visitors to explore the communities to catch a glimpse of each lure. “The City of Montgomery is excited about this project. It will be an opportunity for businesses and individuals to come together and celebrate our heritage and our future as a city with an appealing and vibrant downtown overlooking the historic Alabama River.” said Montgomery’s Mayor Bobby Bright.
Prattville’s mayor Jim Byard agreed, “Prattville is excited about the Hooked on the Alabama River project. With the opening of our new Bass Pro, giant lures appearing around the River Region seem very appropriate. Prattville can trace its roots directly to Autauga Creek and the dam our founder, Daniel Pratt built to power his factory. Hooked on the Alabama River will highlight the importance of our connection to the entire Alabama River system.”
With additional support for the project from the World Wildlife Fund, the Mid-South Resource Conservation Development and LWT Marketing, Mr. Roy McAuley, chairman of the Alabama River Clean Water Partnership sums it up like this, “It’s a win-win for both communities. The sponsors get recognition for their interest in the quality of life in this area and their commitment to the community. Local artists get to display their wealth of talent. And the community gets the benefit of having art in public spaces, attracting people to a variety of interesting places, and educating its citizens about the river.”